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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Driving test while pregnant

24 replies

zinher · 07/12/2013 08:19

how long were you able to drive while pregnant? I have booked my test when I will be 35 weeks (couldn't get an earlier date) as I really need to be able to drive. However am now worried that I wouldn't be able to fit comfortably behind the wheel by then. I haven't put on much weight but my bump is definitely getting more defined and growing at a great speed now.

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KatAndKit · 07/12/2013 08:30

I drove till the end. Not much in the last month admittedly as i prefered staying on the sofa, but still drove myself to midwife appt at 39 weeks and to the shops to get food. 35 weeks ought to be ok, not much chance of baby coming in the middle of your test. I found driving uncomfortable towards the end due to bastarding SPD but if you feel ok no need to worry. Better than waiting till after the birth in my opinion.

TobyLerone · 07/12/2013 09:04

I've always driven all the way through my pregnancies. My last 2 went to 42 weeks and I drove myself to both inductions.
Currently 36 weeks with #3 and no reason for me to stop driving.

2Labradors · 07/12/2013 09:08

I drove myself to my midwife appointment yesterday at 41 weeks pregnant.

I have 2 other DC so I intend to drive right up until I give birth (which I would love to happen today please)

HappyAsASandboy · 07/12/2013 09:08

I drove until 38 weeks while pregnant with my twins. I would have continued longer, but they were born at 38 weeks!

Depends on the length of your legs, angle of seat etc though I guess? I sat quite upright towards the end, with the seat quite high but could still reach the pedals. I wouldn't have wanted to drive for hours though: I did my last 4+ hour drive at 30 weeks.

Wishfulmakeupping · 07/12/2013 09:10

Right up until I gave birth

Original poster

zinher · 07/12/2013 09:11

Thanks everyone for the info. 2Labradors fingers crossed your baby arrives safely today :)

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EirikurNoromaour · 07/12/2013 09:14

I drove at 39+5. I had my driving test at 8 weeks pg so obviously no bump but I did mention it and he said he wouldn't do an emergency stop. That should be obvious in your case!

Tiptop32 · 07/12/2013 09:57

My waters broke when I was driving!

colleysmill · 07/12/2013 10:05

Last time I was still driving about 500 miles a week for work until 35 weeks but it did aggravate my pelvis although I carried on (wouldn't really recommend it though)

What i can't do this time round now at 28 weeks is drive our campervan with its super big steering wheel and my stumpy short legs!

DrivingToDistraction · 07/12/2013 13:00

I passed my test at 34 weeks and have been driving since - I am 40+5 (sigh!) and did two 50-minute round trips on Thursday to take/pick up DS from nursery. The second trip was hard on my back and ribs but I don't have any real problems driving.

TwoTearsInABucket · 07/12/2013 13:04

I did two driving tests while pregnant, one at 36 weeks. I failed both!! They didn't do the emergency stop on the test because of my bump.
Was also driving till day before giving birth to DC 3.

TheHollyandtheIvyCrumples · 07/12/2013 13:10

twotears i took my test at 36 weeks but i still had to do emergency stop.

zinher i drove right til the end with all my dc.

Bunbaker · 07/12/2013 13:13

I think it depends how tall you are. I have long legs so had no problem fitting behind the wheel. Also, most cars have adjustable steering wheels these days so perhaps you could change that instead.

quackojuliet · 07/12/2013 14:31

I would say the test is not ideal. Driving itself is not the issue, more the build up and stress of the test and being emotional. Not in an unsafe way just may make it harder to pass.
I would def keep the date and go for it, but keep checking for cancellations (I remember there's a service which automatically checks and they text you when someone cancels - there's a small charge) search 'driving test cancellation alert' or something similar...
Best of luck - it will def make life easier with a baby! I've found it invaluable being able to drive in later pregnancy when I'd otherwise be dependent on cabs due to spd.

PrammyMammy · 07/12/2013 14:38

I'm 38 weeks and my belly toots the horn when I get in the car sometimes but apart from that im fine to drive.
I passed my test at 22 weeks, lots of people tried to put me of sitting a test while pregnant but it was fine!x

MrsHowardRoark · 07/12/2013 14:42

I passed my test at 30 weeks and it was totally fine. I wasn't too nervous and I found having the bump withe kept me calm and alert.

I'm now 36 weeks and happily driving. I plan on driving to ils at Christmas, which is a 4 hour trip.

Good luck!

MrsHowardRoark · 07/12/2013 14:42

*with me

Original poster

zinher · 25/01/2014 10:49

Just to update, I PASSED :) so happy.

I practised emergency stops with my examiner today (just before the test) but wasn't asked to do one on the test. Feeling paranoid about damaging baby as one of them was quite harsh.

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Expectingtwins1975 · 25/01/2014 11:11

Congrats!

Original poster

zinher · 25/01/2014 12:58

Thank you expecting so happy to finally have the freedom.
:)

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SweetPea86 · 25/01/2014 14:43

I remember reading this post well done Hun

GuyMartinsSideburns · 26/01/2014 12:06

Congrats! I was just about to post and say that I passed my test at 8 months (That was almost 6 years ago now tho). Im 36 weeks preg now, and want it over with!

Enjoy your driving

Original poster

zinher · 26/01/2014 12:35

Hi GuyMartins congrats on your baby :) I am almost 36 weeks too now :D pregnancy was a real kick in my butt to get to learn driving as struggling with baby on buses in the cold [shudder]

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glitterhoops · 26/01/2014 19:54

I drove today and am 36 weeks - all was fine, the only thing i find a bit difficult is when you have to lean forward a lot as it puts a bit of pressure of the bump (but I have quite a big bump). I'd say you'll be fine though.

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